Liverpool were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest at Anfield after Victor Muñoz struck late to rescue a point for the Reds in a dramatic Premier League encounter.
The result means Liverpool remain without a victory after their opening two league matches of the 2026/27 campaign, following another 2-2 draw against Newcastle United in their opening fixture. Despite showing plenty of character to recover from losing positions twice, Liverpool’s defensive weaknesses and inability to control the game for long periods will be a concern.
Nottingham Forest started the match with confidence and immediately looked capable of causing problems for the hosts. Their willingness to attack directly and exploit spaces behind Liverpool’s defence paid off in the 24th minute when Dan Ndoye opened the scoring.
The Forest forward finished a quick counter-attacking move after goalkeeper Matz Sels launched the ball forward, catching Liverpool’s defence exposed. Ndoye kept his composure to beat Alisson and put the visitors ahead at Anfield.
Liverpool responded by increasing the pressure and attempting to move the ball faster in the final third. Florian Wirtz appeared to have brought the Reds level before half-time, but his effort was ruled out for offside following a review of the build-up.
Forest also had opportunities to double their advantage before the interval. Igor Jesus came close, but Alisson produced an important save to keep Liverpool within touching distance and prevent the visitors from taking a two-goal lead into half-time.
Liverpool returned for the second half with greater attacking intensity. Their pressure eventually paid off in the 60th minute when Alexander Isak scored his first goal of the afternoon to restore parity.
Cody Gakpo created the opening with a dangerous low delivery into the box, and Isak reacted quickly to finish from close range. The equaliser gave Liverpool fresh momentum as the home side looked to turn the match around.
However, Nottingham Forest remained dangerous and refused to allow Liverpool to dominate proceedings. Their persistence was rewarded in the 70th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Alisson was adjudged to have fouled Neco Williams inside the Liverpool penalty area.
Morgan Gibbs-White took responsibility from the spot and made no mistake, sending Alisson the wrong way to restore Forest’s lead. The goal put Liverpool under renewed pressure, with the hosts facing the prospect of suffering an early defeat at home.
Liverpool responded by pushing more players forward, while Forest attempted to protect their advantage and exploit spaces on the counterattack. The visitors appeared to be on course for an impressive victory at Anfield before Liverpool produced a late response.
In the 82nd minute, Victor Muñoz became the unlikely hero for the Reds. The summer signing found space inside the penalty area before unleashing a powerful effort that took a deflection on its way into the net.
The goal sparked huge celebrations among the Anfield crowd and completed Liverpool’s second comeback of the afternoon. Muñoz’s strike was particularly significant because it came during a period when Liverpool desperately needed inspiration.
The winger, making his first start for Liverpool, showed attacking intent throughout the match and ultimately delivered the moment that prevented Forest from claiming all three points.
Liverpool continued searching for a winner during the closing stages, but Nottingham Forest defended resolutely to protect their point. The visitors could also feel unfortunate not to have secured victory after leading twice and putting Liverpool under considerable pressure.
For Liverpool, the draw highlighted both their resilience and their current shortcomings. Arne Slot’s side showed determination to fight back on two occasions, but conceding twice at home and struggling to turn possession into clear opportunities will raise questions about their defensive organisation and attacking efficiency.
The result also extends Liverpool’s wait for their first Premier League victory of the season. Two successive 2-2 draws mean they have collected two points from their opening two matches, leaving the Reds with work to do if they are to mount a serious challenge at the top of the table.
For Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, the performance will provide plenty of encouragement. Forest were organised, disciplined and dangerous in transition, and they showed the confidence to attack Liverpool rather than simply sit deep at Anfield.
Ultimately, though, Muñoz’s late intervention denied Forest what would have been a memorable away victory. Liverpool escaped with a point, but the Reds will know that improvements are required if they are to turn promising performances into victories in the weeks ahead.
Final Score: Liverpool 2-2 Nottingham Forest
Liverpool: Alexander Isak 60′, Victor Muñoz 82′
Nottingham Forest: Dan Ndoye 24′, Morgan Gibbs-White 70′ (penalty)
